Ready for summer? Counting down the days until the students are gone and your close-out work is done for the school year? While you may be ready to make a mad dash for the door without looking back, I have five ideas of things you might want to consider doing during your summer break.
#1 – Visit family
Let’s face it. Most teachers are uber-busy during the school year and quite frankly aren’t really able to commit a lot of quality time to family. Make this a top priority this summer. Take a road trip to visit family you haven’t seen in a while. Plan a special get-together or a family reunion to celebrate and catch up with your loved ones.
#2 – Staycation
Sometimes money is tight for teachers. If you weren’t able to save enough money for a road trip or a real vacation, plan a staycation. This can be super simple, especially if you live within driving distance of popular tourist attractions for out-of-towners. Google local attractions, events, and festivals, then plan for some summer fun right there at home. Maybe even spend a little money for an overnight stay in a hotel, just to give yourself that time out away from the norm.
#3 – Get some free Vitamin D
Teachers are often indoors the majority of the school year, with the exception to recess or bus duties. The summer months are the optimum time for getting that sunshine you so desperately need. Plant a vegetable garden or just a simple flower garden to enjoy this summer. Plan for some fun outdoor activities with your family, like bicycling, walking, marathons, or zoo trips. Getting outside and into the sunshine can dramatically reduce stress levels and depression.
#4 – Volunteer
Yes, you’re tired and you need a break. Once you’ve enjoyed some down time, consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart. Whether it’s serving at the local food bank or rocking babies in the NICU, giving of yourself to a cause you believe in really gives back to you in dividends. Helping others often helps take our minds off our own issues, even if only for a brief space of time.
#5 – Clean out your school stash
You know what I’m talking about. Those closets at home. That “extra” room that is filled with all your school stuff that you keep hanging on to, but may never actually use. Take a few days to make a plan and declutter all that stuff. If you know you truly will never use it again, get rid of it. Donate the best of the best to colleagues in need. Toss out what is really unneeded or unusable. Making time to do this will help you purge all the excess you don’t really need and make room for your living and teaching not just from simplicity but from authenticity.